Betsuin to Observe Shinran’s Birthday May 21st With Combined Service The birthday of the founder of Jodo Shinshu Bud- dhism, Shinran Shonin, is commemorted during 1727 Pali Highway the month of May in all Jodo Shinshu temples in Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Japan and worldwide, including Hawaii and the US mainland. Known as Gotan-e, this is one of the six major services observed annually by Jodo Shinshu temples to honor and pay respect to GOJI Shinran Shonin. Shinran Shonin lived during the age of Mappo Vol. 72, No. 05 and diligently practiced the asceticism of the MAY 2017 Tendai tradition for twenty years on Mt. Hiei. However, he finally came to the realization that such rigorous practices did not lead to his awakening and liberation. Shinran Shonin was troubled by his own blind passions or “bonno” and, despite twenty years of ascetic practices, he could not attain the enlightenment he was seeking. After undergoing a hundred-day retreat NEWSLETTER at Rokkaku-do temple in Kyoto, the Bodhisattva Kannon appeared to him in of the a dream in the form of Prince Shotoku directing him to see Honen Shonin. Honpa Hongwanji Shinran descended from Mt. Hiei and became a disciple of Honen. Dur- Hawaii Betsuin ing the first year of his discipleship with Honen Shonin, Shinran, at age 29, attained enlightenment or salvation through the Vow of Amida Buddha, the www.hawaiibetsuin.org Buddha of Infinite Light and Life. This attainment of salvation through relying solely on the power of Amida’s vow and discarding all sundry practices be- came the core of Shinran’s teachings throughout his life. Essentially Shinran 2017 Slogan: said that because we are all defiled by greed, hatred and delusion, we have no chance of gaining enlightenment by ourselves and that by entrusting Embrace Change: ourselves totally to Amida Buddha without any calculation or doubt, we are Action continued on page 6 (Open Communications) Rev. Kevin Kuniyuki to be Gotan-e Speaker Rev. Kevin Kuniyuki was born in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1955. BETSUIN He graduated Waipahu High School 1973 and graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 1977. Among his MINISTERS previous places of employment, he was an instructor at the University of Hawaii Department of Electrical Engineering Chief Minister and was a computer consultant from 1980 to 1994. Rev. Rev. Toyokazu Hagio Kuniyuki was also employed as an instructor at University of Hawaii at Hilo in the Continuing Education and Community Service program. Ministerial Staff He completed Tokudo in 1994 and graduated from Chuo Bukkyo Gakuin Rev. Yuika Hasebe and earned Kyoshi in 1996. Upon his return to Hawaii, he was assigned as an Associate Minister at the Hawaii Betsuin, then as the Resident Minister Rev. Arthur Kaufmann responsible for the 4-Temple Council, Honomu, Honohina, Papaaloa and Rev. Joshin Kamuro Papaikou Hongwanjis. In 2002 he was assigned as the Resident Minister for Rev. Sol Kalu the Wahiawa Hongwanji, and in 2012 he became the Director of the Bud- dhist Study Center & Office of Buddhist Education. PAGE 2 GOJI MAY 2017 Dharma Message: “The Touching Story of Helen Keller and Hisako Nakamura” My son, Yuma, who is in the 3rd grade Sullivan was also a great Rev. Joshin Kamuro at the Hongwanji Mission School had woman.” My son was met for the first to read the book titled “Helen Keller” very much impressed by Ms. Keller time, they each by Margaret Davidson and write a and Mrs. Sullivan. His enthusiasm felt deep sym- book report as homework. He read the motivated me to read that book and I pathy and shed book of 90 pages chapter learned more about Helen tears. Both Ms. by chapter every day and Keller. I am still moved no Keller’s and finished reading it in a matter how many times I Mrs. Naka- week. When I asked him read the dramatic scene mura’s lives were full of difficulties and for his impressions of the where little Helen touched struggles. But, they could understand book, my son said, “Helen water. She became aware each other’s feelings beyond lan- Keller was a really great for the first time at the age guage and national borders because woman. She graduated of 6 that everything had a of exchanging what was in their true from a good university name, and that she also hearts. Mrs. Nakamura said at the although she was not able had a name. The book end of her life, “Though without hands to see and hear. She ended with a quote of Ms. or legs, I am allowed to live this life. worked so hard to study. Helen Keller Keller’s words, “The best How precious.” She found that pre- And her teacher, Anne and most beautiful things ciousness of her life, regardless of her in the world cannot be lost hands and legs. seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.” As Ms. Keller said, Reading about Ms. Helen Keller and GOJI we pay so much attention to what we Mrs. Hisako Nakamura, I learned the see and touch, that we tend to neglect TheGOJI is a monthly publication of the importance of what we feel in our Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin, Tel. what we feel in our hearts and think in hearts and minds. As shown in Mrs. (808) 536-7044. There is no newsletter our minds. published for the month of August. Nakamura’s experience, Nembutsu practitioners who are embraced in DEADLINE: Ms. Keller visited Japan 3 times, in Articles must be submitted no later than Buddha’s compassion will be given the 10th of the month prior to publica- 1937, 1948, and 1955. When she peace of mind and the ability to accept tion by e-mail (execdir@hawaiibetsuin. visited Japan for the first time, she reality, regardless of their circum- org), mail (1727 Pali Hwy, Honolulu, HI, met Mrs. Hisako Nakamura. Ms. 96813) or fax (536-0919). Address sub- stances. Let us continue saying the missions to the GOJI. Please include Keller said to Mrs. Nakamura, “You Nembutsu in joy and gratitude for the your name and contact information. lived a tougher life but you accom- Buddha’s compassion. Namo Amida Original images should be labeled on plished more things than I did.” Mrs. the reverse side with caption and return Butsu information. Nakamura lost her hands and legs at GOJI STAFF: the age of 3 from frost bite and a fever Editorial: Jo desMarets; Dianne Ida, which followed. Although she didn’t Randy Kawamoto, Rev. Yuika Hasebe, have her hands and legs, she lived in Japanese section editor, Production: Stacy Bradshaw, Colleen Kunishige; Joyce Tomita, a positive way through the Nembutsu Circulation: Stacy Bradshaw; Contributing teaching. Mrs. Nakamura presented reporters from Hongwanji Mission School, Ms. Keller a gift, a doll, which she had Buddhist Women’s Association, Dharma School & Parents, Project Dana, Wednesday made herself, using her mouth and Gang and Gals, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, teeth. Mrs. Nakamura said, “When we Pacific Buddhist Academy, and the Kyodan work at something in which we put all The opinions expressed by individual our heart, there is neither ocean nor contributors are their own and do not national boundary. The sacred and the necessarily reflect those of the Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin. true mind of human beings overcomes many obstacles in life.” When they Hisako Nakamura GOJI MAY 2017 PAGE 3 Betsuin BWA News and Events Fujiko Motobu COMING EVENTS FOR MAY: Come join us and have a nice day. The 2017 exhibit will be held at GRADUATION: A GOTAN E: BIRTHDAY Honolulu Hale, City hall, from May BWA representa- CELEBRATION OF 8 noon to Friday, May 19. It is free tive will be present SHINRAN SHONIN admission, so take some time to enjoy at the PBA (Pacific ON SUNDAY, MAY some spectacular art work this year. It Buddhist Academy) 21: The human size, is hard to believe that our seniors are commencement cedar wood statue of very talented in art work, calligraphy, exercise, the Shinran Shonin will be and flower arrangements. Go and Hongwanji Mission 8th grade gradu- displayed on the stage for Gotan-e. It observe them for yourself. Perhaps ation ceremony, and Fort Gakuen should be a welcome sight for parents you may want to join he classes. graduation exercise. All of the and little ones to have their pictures students have studied hard and they taken with Shinran Shonin. LAUGHTER IS GREAT FOR YOU: all deserve our sincerest gratitude TV is the best thing for me. I can and appreciation for accomplishing SAGARYU ikebana flower arrange- watch all kinds of sports that I would their educational goals. A gift will be ment and Japanese Calligraphy never be able to watch in real life. One presented to a recipient from all three will be exhibited in the social hall on that I like is ice hockey. It seems like schools. Congratulations. Gotan E service day. The displays a rough game, sliding and swinging are done by students of Mrs. Michiko the long hockey stick. Did you know BWA GENERAL MEMBERSHIP Okano. They are beautifully done, so that the first testicular guard, the MEETING #2 for year 2017 will be enjoy them. “cup”, was used in Hockey in 1874, held on Sunday, May 2nd after the 10 some 143 years ago? The first helmet o’clock service, beginning at 11:00 am SUMIE EXHIBITION AT CITY HALL: was used in 1974, a hundred years in the social hall. President Wendie May 8 through 19th by the students after the “cup”. That means it took Yumori and her committee members of Mrs. Sachie Saigusa. As the Sumie 100 years for men to realize that their are hard at work in planning an enjoy- Society of Hawaii marks its fifteenth brain is also important and needs to able get-together with all of the BWA year of exhibition at Honolulu Hale, it be protected. members who can attend. It will be is a good time to look back at our dis- an informative and enjoyable gather- tinguished history. The Sumie Society HERE’S ANOTHER GOOD LAUGH: ing, so please make every effort to was established on June 13, 2001, Jill hears that milk baths will make her attend our BWA general membership under the leadership of Sensei Sachie beautiful, so she leaves a note for her meeting #2 for this year. Saigusa (president) and the late Rev. milkman asking for 15 gallons of milk. Takamaro Saigusa (vice president). When the milkman reads the note, May 14, the second Sunday, will be Original officers of the organization he thinks there must be a mistake, so MOTHER’S DAY. Every day ought to were Betty Yamamoto, Shigeko Mi- he knocks on the door. Jill answers be Mother’s Day, but May 14 is sched- yashiro, Kazuko Choy, Byron Saigusa, the door, and the milkman says, “I uled as the special day to honor all Terry Kaide, Doris Toda, and Midori found your note to leave 15 gallons mothers. All mothers are like Buddha, Lisenberg, and the advisors were Dr. of milk. Did you mean 1.5 gallons?” selfless, kind hearted, generous and Margaret Oda and Byron Saigusa. Jill replies, “No. I want 15 gallons. I loving people. Not only mothers, but Art instruction for the Hawaii Betsuin am going to fill my bathtub with milk.” grandmothers, aunts, friends, all fe- began in 2001. In 2002 and 2003, the “Pasturized?” asks the milkman. “No” males are honored on this special day. Betsuin students’ art work was exhib- says Jill. “Just up to my boobs.” ited during the bon mairi week in the social hall. When bon mairi week was rearranged, the sumie art exhibit was discontinued at the Betsuin. PAGE 4 GOJI MAY 2017 It Takes a Sangha: The Story of the 100,000 Cups

Once upon a time not long ago, Kerry assembly, an announcement was The Green Team Kiyohara was the guest of honor at made and a sign-up sheet posted. is glad to share a shabu-shabu sayonara party at Before long, all 100 cases of cups this story of the Moiliili Hongwanji before departing were spoken for! extended Hong- for Japan to continue his ministe- wanji sangha in rial studies. At the party were 10-oz. Now the tricky part: distributing action, rescuing paper cups labeled Marukame Udon. those many cases of cups (and 100,000 cups and preventing the Betsuin’s Green Team convener, lids!) sitting at a warehouse in waste of the precious trees, wa- David Atcheson, happened to be Kapolei. A key piece of the puzzle ter, and energy they embody. With sitting near James Castillo of Bridge was Betsuin President Jerry Tama- gratitude to James, Jerry, Waipahu America LLC, who had brought the moto’s offer to pick up a load of Hongwanji, and all who participated in cups to Moiliili. James told David that cups and bring them to his Ship to this effort! Namo Amida Butsu there were actually 100,000 cups that Hawaii warehouse in Iwilei, where an associate of his wanted to remove Honolulu-side temples could pick Submitted by David Atcheson from a warehouse to make space — up their cases. Ship to Hawaii also by donating them or, if necessary, facilitated shipments to neighbor throwing them away. island temples. For other Oahu temples, James and Bridge Ameri- Mahalo With representatives from Hongwanji ca arranged to get a load of cups to to Everyone: temples throughout Hawaii soon to Waipahu Hongwanji, which offered volunteers, those who arrive at Betsuin for Giseikai, Dave to be a second distribution point. asked James if it would be OK to see Along the way, associates of both donated items and the which temples might like some free Jerry and James donated additional shoppers, cups. James said please do. At the in-kind support. who made the Taste of Please join our week day Morning Service! Hongwaji a Hawaii Betsuin opens its door to everybody who BIG would like to chant sutra. SUCCESS!

Date: Monday - Saturday Time: 8:00 to 8:30 AM Sutra: Shoshinge Don’t Forget! You can listen to Shoshinge was written by our founder, Shinran Shonin, pre-recorded to encapsulate the teachings of Jodo Shinshu. It is an important sutra for Jodo Shinshu followers and encourages 10:00 AM services all to entrust themselves in Amida Buddha. from the Betsuin on You are invited to join the Hawaii Betsuin ministers every morn- KZOO 1210 AM on ing from 8 to 8:30 AM to chant Shoshinge, the Gatha of True Faith. the radio dial Please feel free to join any time. Sunday mornings No reservation is needed. Walk-ins are welcome! If you have any questions, please contact the Betsuin Office. at 10:00 AM GOJI MAY 2017 PAGE 5 Earth Day Observed At The Betsuin! On Sunday, April 23rd, we observed Earth Day with a special Mark Your service and fair in the social hall after the service. The following Calendars! photos highlight some of the day’s activities! OBon, OBon It’s Festival Time!

Dharma School students and parents waiting to place green plants on the altar in recognition of Earth Day.

Service speakers, David Atcheson (Green Team) and Doorae Shin (Kokua Hawaii Foundation) at the Green Team table. Mottainai bags were available to carry your cup and eating utensils for refreshments each Sunday!

PHOTOS BY RUTH TOKUMI PAGE 6 GOJI MAY 2017 Shinran’s Birthday service continued from page 1 assured of birth in the Pure Land. after Shinran’s death and has since If you are unable Shinran stressed absolute reliance on grown to become the largest sect of to come to the temple the other power of Amida’s vow. One’s Japanese Buddhism in Japan and own efforts are useless in achieving other parts of the world. and would like to salvation. Even faith in the Nembutsu have a minister visit arises, not through the individual’s In honor, recognition, and respect, we own efforts or virtue, but is bestowed celebrate Shinran Shonin’s birthday you in your home, by Amida’s grace. this month of May and reflect with please call gratitude his sharing and spreading Rev. Yuika Hasebe By sharing, teaching and being an the Nembutsu teaching which has example for many ordinary common ever since affected countless numbers at 536-7044 people, Shinran’s experience of spiri- of people and has survived on to our tual awakening through the workings present age. Happy Birthday Shinran of Amida Buddha’s Vow spread the sama. Nembutsu teachings that made the Buddhism of his time available to all We will observe Gotan-e at the Hawaii to request a home visit. Betsuin with the Gotan-e Otaiya classes of people, not just for religious We miss you and orders and the ruling class of Japa- on Saturday May 20, 2017 at 7:00 nese society. During the time of his pm and on May 21st with a com- do not want to lose active ministry in the Kanto area of bined service at 9:30 am. The guest contact with you! Japan and thereafter, Shinran Shonin speaker will be Rev. Kevin Kuniyuki, continued spreading the Nembutsu director of the Buddhist Study Center. teaching, even in his later years, until Please join us in commemorating the he passed away in Kyoto in 1263. The birth, life and accomplishment of our temple of the original vow, the Hon- founder, Shinran Shonin. Namu Amida gwanji, was established years later Butsu.

Calling All Bakers! Once again, the temple humbly asks for donations of baked goods for our 2016 Bon dance to be held on Friday and Saturday, June 23 and 24, 2017

Donations of cookies, brownies, party mix, finger snacks, etc are greatly appreciated. If pre-bagging your items, please label contents and bag according to a $2 price point. (ie. bag 4 large cookies or 6-8 small ones). We will need baked goods for both Friday and Saturday nights.

Please bring your donations to the temple office during the week of the Bon dance. All proceeds from the baked goods will go directly to the Hawaii Betsuin. Baked goods are always #1 in popularity and al- ways the first thing to sell out, so please get out your favorite recipes and bake away. We truly appreciate the support! GOJI MAY 2017 PAGE 7

Betsuin Dharma School News Debbie Kubota March 26 - Taste of Hongwanji Dharma School Taiko Group Singing by Dharma School Stu- singers sang “If you’re happy and you dents, Parents & Teachers know it and you really want to show The taiko drummers kicked off the it, if you’re happy and you know it day’s festivities by inviting the bazaar The Dharma School singers, accom- shout, WE ARE! And THEY WERE! chairs - Jerry Tamamoto, Irene No- panied by ukulele players Caden and hara and Wendy Harmon - up to the Chika Matsumoto and Cameron Kubo- Please join us! stage to play the taiko drums in sync ta, serenaded the crowd by singing 4 with the beat played by leader, Jovie songs. The first 2 were original compo- •May 7 - Sports Day / Undokai - Yoshioka. It was great to see them sitions: “Living Gratefully” and “Peace is Honolulu Hongwanji Dharma Schools pounding out the drum rhythms on a Seed.” Then they sang “Arigatai” with Activity together with Cub Scout Pack stage. Then the taiko group played 3 hand gestures and ended their set with 49 at HMS pieces. The first was “Jan Ken Po”, an “If You’re Happy and You Know It” with interactive piece in which taiko play- many different activities, including roar ers went out to the crowd to play Jan out loud and kiss kiss. At the end, the Ken Po, and rewarded players with snacks. The next piece was “Lau- lima”, a festive piece which features the ethnic diversity of the islands, with drum beats and dance moves depict- ing the Japanese, Chinese, Hawaiian and Filipino cultures. The finale was “Matsuri”, a festival piece, with jam- mers, Alan Kubota, Wayne Yoshioka and Debbie Kubota, adding their original touches to the performance. PAGE 8 GOJI MAY 2017

Hongwanji In Memoriam MARCH 2017 Radio Programs MAY 2017 The Hawai’i Betsuin extends its deepest sympathy to the families of the following members who recently passed away. May the family members find solace and

KZOO 1210 AM comfort in the Nembutsu. Namo Amida Butsu Japanese Language Saturday at 7:30 AM 1 WAKISAKA, Masako Jane (96) 14 MURAOKA, Louis Toshimi (88) 5/6 Rev. Shingo Furusawa 6 FUKUMOTO, Alfred Hiroshi (99) 16 NAKAMURA, Kiyoko (93) 5/13 Rev. Joshin Kamuro 7 IIDA, Stanley Hiromu (81) 16 TAKAHASHI, Haruko (98) 5/20 Rimban Toyokazu Hagio 7 KOYANAGI, Clyde Tamio (69) 16 YONESHIGE, Edward Suteo (95) 5/27 Rev. Tatsuo Muneto 8 UCHIDA, Mitsuharu (95) 17 SEKIYA, Phyllis Yukuyo (97) 9 IZUMI, Mary Hatsue (95) 20 HIRANO, Betty Hiroko (76) Betsuin Services 9 KANNO, Mildred Misa (96) 22 KANEDA, Kikuye (88) 9 SHIMOTSU, Ivy Akiko (91) 26 SUZUKI, Alan Masao (65) Asaji Service 8:00 AM 10 ISHII, Mitsuko (100) 28 OTOSHI, Betty Kiyoko (92) 07 Rimban Toyokazu Hagio 13 NISHIZUKA, Shizuichi “Slim” (91) 29 ISHIKANE, Doris (72) 14 Rev. Yuika Hasebe 14 ARAI, Teruo (90) 31 TERAMOTO, Bunso (96) 21 Gotan-e Service 14 ESTERBROOK, Howard Yasushi (53) Rev. Joshin Kamuro 28 Rimban Toyokazu Hagio 2017 Memorial Service Schedule 2017 is the memorial year for those who passed away in: Adult English Services 2016 – 1 year 2005 – 13 year 1985 – 33 year 10:00 AM 2015 – 3 year 2001 – 17 year 1968 – 50 year 07 Rev. Yuika Hasebe 2011 – 7 year 1993 – 25 year 1918 – 100 year 14 Rev. Sol Kalu 21 Gotan-e Family Service 9:30 am Rev. Kevin Kuniyuki 28 Rev. Arthur Kaufmann Nursing Home Services

Nicchu Service 1:00 PM 04 Hale Nani – Rev. Kamuro 07 Rimban Toyokazu Hagio Hale Ho Aloha – Rev. Kaufmann 14 Rev. Joshin Kamuro 21 Gotan-e Service 11 Maluhia – Rev. Hasebe Rev. Yuika Hasebe 9:30 am Liliha – Rev. Kalu 28 Rimban Toyokazu Hagio 12 Kuakini – Rev. Kalu 25 Nuuanu Hale – Rev. Kaufmann Dharma School Service 9 am 26 Leahi – Rev. Hagio 07 Rev. Arthur Kaufmann 14 Rev. Joshin Kamuro 21 Gotan-eFamily Service 9:30 am Rev. Kevin Kuniyuki The great practice is to say the Name of the Tathagata of un- 28 Rimban Toyokazu Hagio hindered light. This practice, comprehensively encompass- ing all practices, is perfect and most rapid in bringing them to fullness. For this reason, it is called “great practice.” Saying Gotan-e Otaiya the Name then breaks through all the ignorance of sentient May 20 (Sat) Gotan-E Otaiya beings and readily brings all their aspirations to fulfillment. (Evening Service) 7:00 pm Saying the Name is in itself mindfulness; mindfulness is Rev. Kevin Kuniyuki nembutsu; nembutsu is Namo-amida-butsu. -Shinran Shonin